Early in January, TWA announced that it had filed for bankruptcy and that it had intentions to sell nearly all of its assets to American Airlines.

Last Saturday, a U.S. District Court chief granted permission for American to officially continue on with its plans of a buyout, a decision that could have a great effect on citizens of St. Louis, TWA employees and customers and even Saint Louis University.

Alan Stolzer, associate dean of Parks College, said many Parks students choose to gain real-world experience by interning in various positions for TWA. He added that the college is involved in some research programs with them.

“There certainly are unknowns,” commented Stolzer. “We don’t know how [the buyout] will affect us, exactly.”

Stolzer explained that while Parks has internship and research programs with TWA, the college also has similar programs established with American Airlines.

“My hope is that American would pick up any slack that might come from the TWA buyout,” he said.

According to the St. Louis Post-Dispatch, the agreement between the two airlines aims to keep St. Louis as a major hub and to offer jobs to all of TWA’s contract employees, making the transition as smooth as possible. Parks Program Director Diane Stagg thinks the transition will be smooth for Parks College as well.

“I don’t foresee any really big changes. I have spoken with the new contact at American and he seems optimistic about continuing the positive relationship with us,” Stagg said.

She added that although she may not be dealing with the same staff, “the internship opportunities should still be there for our students.”